Archive for January, 2011

Every year we cover what we can of the Eddie while others do a fantastic job of the competition itself, whenever it actually goes. This past week we all thought it would be held. There were thousands of spectators and we hope it was all good for the North Shore merchants. So like last year, our crew (big mahalo to Robbie and Tyler) did get a chance to capture some fun shots. This is a short excerpt from our video at Shark's Cove and at the Eddie on the North Shore of the island of Oahu. For the entire video visit us athttp://SPORTS.pacificnetwork.tv/HotPicks/

and stay tuned. We're about to launch PacificNetwork.tv redux and it is awesome!

In most circumstances one would never mention a woman's age but I don't think Gladys will mind.

No matter what you're experiencing during these changing economic times let's just remember that in Gladys' lifetime she has lived through the flapper era and prohibition, the Great Depression, WWII, the invention of 8 track tape, color tv, wedgies, velcro and the iPad. If she's got the energy and the will... let's keep in mind -- must be because Life is Good.

The Little Wolf of the Wolfgang's Steakhouse famiglia celebrated its launch the other evening with lots of buzz and local celebrities... 2 Couture (Takeo and Eric) with Miss Hawaii and Miss Teen Hawaii; the beautiful Cha Thompson, Estelle and Michael Green, KGMB's Cheryl Oncea, Philip Shaw of Michel's, Andy South (Hawaii's Project Runway's shining star), Vicki and Jimmy Borges, Jon Heckathorn, Dr. Alvin Chung, our own Johann Bouit (just in from Tahiti), Michi Moore, and many other guests loving the evening. Wine flowed, service was non-stop with plates of fresh melon and prosciutto, fabulous Old World- nouveau style mini pizza, and an array of wonderful offerings by master Chef Nick Sayada (Black Orchid, Cascada). Owners, Peter and Wolfgang Zweiner (and his lovely wife), of Wolfgang's Steakhouses (New York, LA, Waikiki 3rd level) were brilliant in creating this little trattoria right in the heart of Waikiki. Yes. Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar is located on the first level of the Royal Hawaiian Center 808. 922.3400, with easy parking, easy access, and this bit of New York atmosphere is just moments away from a splash in the Pacific Ocean. What a combination. It is so nice to see the new Waikiki continuing to surprise, impress, and entertain. It seems that the night life is coming alive in a very wonderful way, finding its metro - tropical style, thanks to talent such as Chef Sayada and the Sweiners. Perfection would be to see a lot more local folks enjoying what Waikiki has to offer. Life is Good.

Kung Hee Fat Choy 2011! Welcome the Year of the Rabbit!

Firecrackers popping, cymbals crashing, drums beating into the night... welcome the Year of the Rabbit! Parades throughout the world are held this week in a celebration now many thousands of years old. Scholars estimate the Chinese calendar began during the reign of Huangdi translating the year 2011 to "chinese year" 4,709. Or some say 4,708 or could be 4,648, but who's counting? It's a lot of years. In any event this is one heck of a celebration for the family... little red envelopes full of money, the sweet cakes and sugared fruits, all part of the celebration of the lunar new year. My favorite is the dragon and the lion dances. In ancient China villagers feared the springtime attacks of the dreaded "Nian" a dragon-like beast from under the sea (but it also lives high in the mountains so beware). The Nian looked for adults, children and dogs. It was sensitive to loud noises and it didn't like the color red. Drums, plates, and bowls were turned into noise makers. Firecrackers were tossed, babies dressed in bright red, red banners and flags were flown throughout the village and all of this to scare away the big bad Nian.

This week join in Hawaii's celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. Wear your red, put money in the lion's mouth for good luck and prosperity, and make a party! Here's a an idea for an in theme cocktail using Kai Vodka (kai means "happy gathering" in Chinese), a rice vodka infused with lychee. Take 1/2 oz. simple syrup 3 Thai Basil Leaves, 1 Lemon Wedge (1/8 lemon), 1 1/2 oz. Kai Lychee Vodka, 1/2 oz. Green Tea Liqueur. Muddle simple syrup, basil and lemon in a cocktail shaker. Add Kai Lyche Vodka and Green Tea Liqueur. Shake and strain into your martini glass. Garnish with basil leaves and a lemon twist. Beautiful. Kai Vodka is dedicated to artisan-like practices impossible to replicate in mass produced brands and likely the only company to produce vodka infused with lychee. GAN BEI! (Cheers)

Most fans would assume that Jonas Umlauft came to the United States on a volleyball scholarship. In his first season he was AVCA Newcomer of the Year, first-team All-American, and national leader in kills per set. But few know that he arrived from Germany to get an american college education. In his first season he was just short of being a straight-A student and an electrical engineer major. A true scholar-athlete. With a humble and quiet demeanor, he's your average college student taking six courses, accepted into the engineering program as an underclassman, and known to fans and teammates on the volleyball court as "The Germanator". He is one of the nation’s best and most feared players who is helping the Warrior volleyball program back to national prominence.